I hear and read so many people misusing the terms isolationism and non-interventionism so much that I just have to jump in here and do my part to try and clarify the issue, at least in my small sphere of influence. If you are following politics at all right now, you probably know where I’m coming from and in regards to who.

Ron Paul is constantly labeled an isolationist due to his view on foreign policy. I will attempt to prove that label incorrect by simply explaining the definition of the two terms in question. I think part of the problem is that once a person is labeled incorrectly it propagates via ‘parrots’ that don’t care to investigate if the claim is correct or that the term in use is being used properly according to its definition.

Isolationism: the policy or doctrine of isolating one’s country from the affairs of other nations by declining to enter into alliances, foreign economic commitments, international agreements, etc., seeking to devote the entire efforts of one’s country to its own advancement and remain at peace by avoiding foreign entanglements and responsibilities. via dictionary.com

Nonintervention is distinct from isolationism, the latter featuring economic nationalism (protectionism) and restrictive immigration. Proponents of non-interventionism distinguish their policies from isolationism through their advocacy of more open national relations, to include diplomacy and free trade. via wikipedia.com

As you can see, just from simply looking up the definition of the two terms there is a clear distinction between the two. I’ll admit that the definitions are very similar, but through a little reading and educating oneself, it is easy to see that when people call Ron Paul an isolationist, they are incorrect. The term they should be using is non-interventionist.

But don’t take my word on it. Simply take the two definitions, compare his stance on foreign policy to the two, and come to your own conclusion as to which Ron Paul should be labeled.

I have done this and my verdict: Dr. Ron Paul is a NON-INTERVENTIONIST.